BBC One: Day 6: 09.00-11.30 Olympics

Good morning, welcome to our continuing Olympics coverage on BBC

One. It is basics of the Games, and they fight was really want to

remember and safer. Wiggins gets under way. Unbeaten in a time trial

this year. Here we go. Seven minutes away from a Olympic history.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

absolute Trooper. Go on, son! Here comes Bradley winds up to the

line. -- Bradley Wiggins. Wigan's goes into the lead. Helen Glover

and Heather Stanning, we stand up and we salute you. I think it

should be a rise, Sir Brad. finally the gold arrived, two ended

up coming at once. Congratulations to Helen Glover, Heather Stanning

and Bradley Wiggins for clinching chance in the lightweight men's

four final. Great Britain to face tough competition from Denmark and

Australia. In the pool, Rebecca Adlington starts her defence of her

Olympic gold in the 800m freestyle. And there are hopes for another

cycling gold as Sir Chris Hoy helps get the track cycling under way in

the velodrome with the team sprint. Here is the Olympic flame burning

brightly in the cauldron inside the stadium at the Olympic Park. As

always, there are plenty of ways to what the BBC coverage. By the red

button you can see live badminton at Wembley with the men's doubles

quarter-finals, it's an old China affair. Beach volleyball has drawn

the crowds in at the Horse Guards Parade so far. Today it is the

defending champions from the Netherlands in action. Fencing is

the first port of call for BBC Three this morning. It's the

In that stunning day yesterday, it was great Britain's rowers who made

Olympic history. Helen Glover and Heather Stanning did it in style.

Not just leaving their competition far behind in the water, but also

becoming the first British women and Heather Stanning could be

booking a front-page on every single newspaper in the country.

is now, it's not going to be any other time, we've got to produce it

now. A final chapter of what has been a remarkable story is now

under way. Seven minutes away from a Olympic history. Already now

Great Britain have absolutely jumped out of the starting gate. It

is game on. Great Britain looking fine. They are settling into their

rhythm. It's an exceptional start from Helen Glover and Heather

Stanning, they are just storming away. Two-and-a-half years ago,

they were the spares and the British team. Here, they are on

track to ground that fantastic fairy-tale story. 1200 metres to go

up to become the first British women ever to win an Olympic

British gold in rowing. Look at that, it is simply stunning from

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning. They move away and they move away

with such power and grace. Everybody across the way in the

stadium is on their feet. The flags Olympic gold medal of the 2012

games. They are making history at Eton Dorney! The last five strokes.

Great Britain into the record champions. Helen Glover and Heather

Stanning, we stand up and we salute you. For the British rowing team

and for the country as a whole. shattered and ecstatic at the same

time. What a triumph for them. It is Great Britain's first gold medal

What a fantastic moment. I've just met them earlier, they are very

lovely. John Inverdale mentioned at the start of that that they'd be on

the front page of every newspaper and a pretty much are today. John

didn't know at that point mackerel they'd be sharing the front pages

with Bradley Wiggins, but there they are together. We are back at

Eton Dorney today. There are more races to come, but we can also save

of that golden moment with John Inverdale and Sir Steve Redgrave.

Steve was sounding so confident about the women's pair yesterday,

but I did get a bit nervous through the course of the day. You did know

what you were talking about, Steve. It was never in doubt. Sir Steve

alongside the year. Is that a good look? I don't know. They were such

hot favourites. In a sense, all they had to do was to road to their

potential and they were going to win. Over the last couple of months

coming up to it, they were the favourites. It was really for them

to lose it. I just couldn't see them doing it. They had so much in

hand. The way they did the race blew me away because I thought it

would be a bit more nervous and not as fluid as it was. The struggling

with the pressure that was put on them, but they lapped it up and

blew the opposition away. It was nice and relaxing from our point of

view, even though we weren't that relaxed watching it. Our boat which

had stood the best chance of winning gold. After we left here

and we went off to the barbecue for the friends and family, it was

interesting how for the eight and also for Helen and Heather, all the

conversations were about, what now, what now? He retires and he carries

on? Heather is in the army, I'm sure the army will have a

considerable say about whether they wanted to go back on active service

or whether she should carry on growing. It's decision time for a

lot of people. I suppose what they have to do is walk away for a few

weeks and then decide whether they are prepared to actually make that

commitment, because it is monumental. It is. They shouldn't

have been any thought going into it. Everything is about your final race,

getting your best performance. That is all that counts. If you can get

your best performance and you've got a gold medal round your neck,

those decisions, bit easier. But if you start thinking too early about,

what is going to happen after the Olympics, am I going to follow my

career, Wilhite try and do It Again? That is taking away from

what you are trying to do here and now. That is why it was so apparent

yesterday, because those athletes probably haven't given it a second

thought as to what will happen next. Now it is over, I can remember

after my first Olympic gold medal in Los Angeles, we raced early in

the morning and were back in the village by 1pm. You think, yes, I'm

Olympic champion, fantastic! Well, so what, what am I going to do now?

No, I'm Olympic champion! Your emotions are changing. So today. We

have genuine gold-medal opportunity at around midday today when the

men's lightweight four are favourites to secure our second

gold medal on the water. But who I am Chris Bartley. I struck the

boat. My job is to get out at the start and do the steering. I'm Rob

Williams, I sit in the two seed, my job is to keep the peace. Richard

Chambers, my job is to pour on it. My job is to sit on the ball

Staying up to watch Steve Redgrave in 2000 at about midnight. It was a

big deal I could stay up that late. Watching him come away with his

fifth gold medal was exciting. Michael Johnson with his golden

shoes down the back straight in 96. 2000 with the Sydney men's, the way

they rowed that race and the way they performed was outstanding. It

set the benchmark for British rowing in years to come. It's got

to be big Steve. He's done so much for the sport. To come off our

races and then be interviewed by him is a pretty big deal. Steve,

you were very impressed. I was very impressed. My grandad got me into

sport. He was a boxer and they'd be a competitive person. At the

Olympics, it's different from any other event I've been to. And a

British one is different to any other Olympics. Before the first

rays, pretty nervous, shaking, felt like I wanted to throw up. Pretty

awful. I didn't believe I'd be an Olympian. I thought I'd get ill and

injure myself. But to be sitting on the start line for the heat, do I

get down to the finish line? I am an Olympian. The negatives are you

don't mind what you say to each other but at the end of the day you

are brothers and to love each other. Our relationship is better out of

the boat and in the boat until the very last moment. They will try to

get me across that finish line first, I would do the same for them.

We are friends, I reckon. I will wait for their answers! Out of boat,

grade, in the boat, 90 % of the time is great. Rowing is a bit like

water torture, every now and again it gets to you. I probably have the

reputation for being the norm in one. I'm not afraid to speak my

mind and I don't really care how they feel after arrived on that.

get on great of the water. We spend so much time together and the party

had any arguments, even the brothers. When we are on the water

we have a job to do but we are great mates, I'm sure we will still

keep up and go out for a drink with each other. Those are the four men

in the boat. While you were watching that, this was going on

here. A dramatic reconstruction. The super slow-motion of our five-

times Olympic champion removing his sideboards. A pain! You are used

pain. Bradley has taken my record and caused any pain with the

sideburns as well. A great performance by Bradley. Amazing.

I'm sure he is going to get well decorated over the coming months.

Nothing original to say, but the support on the streets was amazing.

Now to these guys. The dynamic in the boat is very interesting.

Having one person, the elder Chambers brother, who is the

firebrand, the guy who is shouting and screaming the whole time. Did

you have one like that? Yes. James. James was the one that was never

satisfied with the way the training was going. Everything was never

good enough. But you have to have bat balance. I think between matter

and I it when we were in the pair, Matthew was the slightly positive

one, I was the slightly negative one. When we went to the four we

were still pretty similar. James was very negative. Tim was very

positive. We came off the water every training session, it would be

all doom and gloom, we are not going fast enough, how can we beat

the Aussies? Tim would say, actually, some bits were quite good.

Even if we did have a bad session, we would finish on a positive stage.

You need that balance. If it's all never do all the time, the positive

ones and the boat, it grind them down after a while. Do you think

they will win today? I think they will. They conducted themselves

fantastically. They've looked the part by the way through. Even

though the lightweight fours are very close, the game to semi-finals

is tough. Getting through to the semi-finals is even tougher. Then

the final, any one of those boats know if they have their day they

could win. But I don't think that anybody is going to beat our guys.

I can't be as positive as I was yesterday about the girls pair, a

very different situation, but I think they're class will show. I

The women's eight, chances minimal? Bronze-medallists from last year, I

cannot see them pulling at off this year. 5th or 6th, sad to say, I

hope I am wrong on that. From what they have shown this season, I

don't think so. And Lucas and Tomkins? That could be a really

interesting one. I think they could win it, they could come last. I

think they will get a medal, probably around bronze. Any race

where somebody could win it for comes last, that promises to be the

best contests today. A quick word about Chris Hoy, another gold medal

prospect. Another one to go past my record, slipping down the list! I

know him really well, he is a great guy, not doing the three events as

he did four years ago, but he has got great chances in two, hopefully

he will win two gold medals. One of the most remarkable things from

Eton Dorney is that we have three semi-finals today, including the

men's coxless four, going against their great rivals, the Australians,

that is our first live race at 10:10am. If the three British boats

going in the semi-finals today or managed to qualify for the finals,

or 13 British boats who have taken part in the regatta will have made

it through to the finals. There are only 14 categories, 13 qualified,

and that would be a huge achievement.

We will be waiting for your own Bradley Wiggins tribute later today,

you never know, John, if you follow in his footsteps. His contribution

and performance of a successive Olympics means he will be a very

special analytic person to Great Britain. Back to Eton Dorney in the

run-up to those finals, and we will be showing you pictures of Bradley

Wiggins' amazing win yesterday. The beach volleyball is under way at

Horse Guards Parade. Reinder Nummerdor and Richard Schuil are in

action, taking on the unbeaten Latvians, Martins Plavins and Janis

Smedins in Group A of the tournament. The top teams progress

along with the three ranked he will have to win a lucky loser matches

to progress to the last 16. That is how it works, and at Horse Guards

The Latvians took the first set very convincingly. Nummerdor and

Schuil, one of the teams that works so well together. They displayed it

in at point. Schuil is 6 ft 8, a massive presence at the knight, the

Latvians are only 6 ft 3, but he would not know that on the way they

The Latvians have been dealing with that speed, and again Plavins with

a perfectly placed attack. He left Nummerdor stranded at the back of

the Dutch defence. The Latvians trying to stretch out a comfortable

Smedins drives the ball into the back of the Dutch court. And the

frustration between Nummerdor and Schuil of Holland is palpable as

they called a time-out to try to The Latvians are immaculate at the

weaknesses, both teams and defeated up to this point. While this match

will only decide first and second in the groove, it will give them

their seeding for the round of 60 in. -- Group. There is a real sense

that the Dutch are having some of their weaknesses exposed. At the

start of his game, I would have said the Dutch were one of the most

well-rounded sights. Nummerdor and Schuil complement each other very

well in terms of flair and technical ability. But the Latvians,

like modest stonemasons, just get on with their task. They chipped

They called the time-out in the hope that it would upset the rhythm

Dutch. They are at sixes and sevens A cuts shot from Nummerdor. The

Dutch regain their composure and a A stinging spike from Nummerdor.

You can see how much that means to him. Interesting talking to

Nummerdor yesterday, he said that despite the phenomenal atmosphere

Downey at Horse Guards Parade, unless it is a really long rally,

you do not hear the crowd noise, Ba, a perfectly placed spike from

Smedins right into the corner. And every time the Dutch try to get

back on top, they find a Latvian They're lovely spite to finish, not

too much power, just well placed at the back of the court. -- a lovely

Page versus experience here, 74 is the combined age of the Dutch. --

page. Just 67, 62, sorry, 52, 52 is the combined age of the Latvians,

so a huge difference there. But certainly it is the Latvians

dishing out the bigger volleyball lessons at the moment. That was out,

The Nummerdor was just long on his attack, and the Dutch are really

struggling to create the form that we saw in their first two match is.

Not the way they will want to end the round robin stage of the beach

volleyball. The Latvians, however, looking very polished. Great block

And the Dutch digging out every But Latvian weights and measures

have done their homework, and they seem to have sized up the Dutch

very well. Detach from Smedins means that the Dutch will take the

point. -- the touch. But it is six- 11, this is a carbon copy of the

first set, the Dutch picking off a point or two here and there, the

Latvians seem to find their tax largely unanswered. -- their

Plavins again finding room around the block of Richard Schuil at the

net. Taking a look at the statistics, phenomenal 22 successes

60% success rate! Schuil with the Maybe the Dutch are not feeling the

pressure this morning, knowing that Smedins with a lovely cut Shard.

The set from Plavins put him right in the corner there and gave him

the angle, and that makes it very Schuil, having recycled the ball,

sends it back into Plavins, who cannot get anything on it. 8-13 as

So the Dutch working hard but seen very little on the scoreboard for

their tiles. The Latvians, however, very, very comfortable, 13-8 in

this second set, they took the first set 21-14. Neither team

really working at hard at the net. They seem to be pulling away from

the net and opting to try and dig these attacks away, just three

blocks from the Latvians, one from the Dutch, which when you consider

that Schuil is 6 ft 8, he should be getting to do more work at the net

there. 10 days from the Dutch, though, and they have all come from

Reinder Nummerdor, the number one in the Dutch team. That is Schuil,

the number two. He needs to up his work rate at the net, I feel. The

After the time out, though, the Dutch will open this. Oh, a massive

smash from Smedins, burying that ball like a turtle burying its

eggs! They are not going to find that for three months. And it will

only be when a lot of little turtles crawl out of the sand here

Somehow, Plavins gets down to that. Saying that the ball had grounded

before Plavins got under that. Fantastic acrobatic day. So Schuil

finally making some headway with the block. Apparently the ball had

hit the sand first. From the angle I was watching, I could not see it.

Greece tried to send him back with interest, but he overcooked it

slightly and it went along. -- A lovely attack from Nummerdor. The

Flag stays down. The Dutch finally getting their teeth into this

second set. The deficit down to just three, and the Latvians called

a time-out. They sense a growing The Latvians have been together

The Latvians have been together since 2009. They were the surprise

package of the 2011 World Champs, when they made it all the way

through to the semis. It says a lot about the fact they like this

tournament play. They are playing week-in, week-out. On a bad week

they can put it down to experience and start again the next week. But

when you have these big tournaments, they proved they mean business.

They have only ever managed a second on the world tour. Whether

they can make the podium here at London 2012 is debatable. But right

now, in the pool status, they've Plavins. He again exercises the no

Obviously Nummerdor didn't have a That is right on the line for

Shaul finally gets a block on up there. -- Schuil. He just hasn't

His Richard Schuil just a late Did it come off the Net? It doesn't

matter. The line judge has called Plavins did not move a. The Dutch

meteorite. Blazing its way into the Shaw has finally found his form. --

show. He's finding some credit at the net against Plavins. The Dutch

back within a point, just when they the ball was clean. It looked as

though Richard Schuil was trying to kiss the referee's ft. There! I

think he's given the point to the Dutch. No. It is a letter being

frustration into that serve, but Plavins takes advantage. -- Richard

attack there. But again, the Latvians have shown this patience

tidy shot was sent to the back of the Latvian court. Not too late by

delicate little shot into the corner there. The beach volleyball

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

point. The Dutch are under the the Earth every second - you just

the angle he wanted. It bounced off the net. The Dutch live to fight

Latvians have put this into bed in two sets. A fantastic statement of

intent from Smedins and Plavins that has exposed the weakness in an

otherwise, up to this point, A win from Latvia over the

Netherlands. Both of these teams have done very well in this

tournament. They have been going into this match both unbeaten. This

is still the pool stage of the If you want to carry on watching

the beach volleyball, press your red button now. Next on court will

be the Brazilian men. Later today, Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney will

be playing their decisive match for Team GB. On BBC Three, the live at

fencing continues with Britain's trio in action against the lowly

ranked Egypt, for a place in the Let's bring you a chance to relive

the second of Britain's golden moments of these Games. It came

courtesy of a man who'd already had a stunning win this summer at the

Tour de France. At the time trial yesterday he stormed to a new

time-trial. Can Team GB get gold? compact style. There's the time to

left-hander, the crowd are roaring him on. Here comes from. The run up

in the Tour de France goes into the lead. The man hasn't lost any

fluidity at all, Bradley Wiggins. He is poetry in motion. Here comes

Tony Martin now, driving for the line. 51.21, he's in the gold medal

position. Here comes Wiggins now. Bradley Wiggins, the winner of the

Tour de France, the holder of three gold medals in the Olympic Games -

he's got six medals to his credit in the Olympics and it's looking

like it's going to be gold today. Bradley Wiggins up to the line.

Bradley Wiggins is the Olympic champion! It is gold for Bradley

Wiggins. His fourth gold medal and the 7th medal won in the Olympic

Games. He is the greatest British will ever top that now. What a

month it has been, I've won the Tour de France and the time trial

at the Olympic Games. It's never going to get any better than that.

It had to be gold today or nothing. What's the point in having seven

medals if they are not the right colour? The main one is No. Four,

I've got to carry on to Rio now and go for number five. Just to be

mentioned in the same breath as people like Steve Redgrave, it is

an absolute owner, Sir Chris Hoy and that. To be up there with those

guys as a British Olympian, it is It is very special for us all. With

me now was Chris Boardman. One of the lovely moments yesterday was

Bradley Wiggins saying watching you in Barcelona was one of his

inspirations. Very nice. It was him who got me back into Pro Cycling. I

was asked to come and have a chat with this young lad who was going

in the wrong direction to see if I could do anything about it. When

you're watching yesterday, a lot was expected of Bradley Wiggins,

but the scale of his victory was incredibly impressive. It's been

that way for the last five weeks, the Tour de France and then on to

the Olympic Games. I'm sick of saying the word unprecedented but

it is unprecedented, this period but cycling. We'll never see their

like again. Really? Well, just the odds of having all this come

together at one time is so hard. Him winning by 42 seconds, you know

this board Inside Out, that is a big margin. A very healthy margin.

But he has indicated he hasn't lost a long time trial at all this year.

He's been on this kind of form. But to deliberate when it is expected

is something else again. He can clearly deal with pressure. He says

he doesn't think it will be this good again, but he also says he's

going to carry on to Rio. Do you think he can maintain this level of

performance? We have to cut him some slack, in the heat of battle

he said that. I think he's capable of doing it if he wants to, but

Ball Year's is a long time for any athlete. Bradley, as we've seen

with seven medals, has been around an awfully long time in this sport,

but if he wants to do it then there is no reason why not. It depends on

the level of commitment he has because it takes a lot out a view

to compete at this level. Yes, I think you will do well to take

stock, and ensure he well, back off after this and I just what's

happened this summer. And also what he wants to do next. One of the

challenges of being be successful is how you stay that hungry when

you've achieved everything that you set out to. What about Chris

Froome? It's been a great summer for him and success for him

yesterday. Second in the Tour de France. Imagine if there was no

Bradley Wiggins, he'd be one of the greatest British sports people that

we've ever seen, certainly this year. Second on the podium for the

time trial as well. Fantastic performance. But he will get his

An amazing, historic moment for Bradley Wiggins, 7 Olympic medals,

one more than Sir Steve Redgrave, who still tops the table in terms

of gold medals. Sir Chris Hoy as four, but that could change this

evening as he defend the men's team We are finally here, you know, it

seems like a long time coming, we have been talking about it for so

long, it is great to be here. going to take something special to

be the French, the Germans, the Australians. The standard is high,

it is very close. If you look at the World Championships, the

Aussies were not expected to win, but they beat the French. It is a

different competition, very short recovery between the rides.

Obviously, you have to get to the final, so you cannot hold anything

back, but it is about who can hang on to that. The final may be slower

than the second ride, so it is about recovery, about the gap in

between. We will celebrate any medal, it would be a significant

achievement, but if you are able to medal, you are able to win. So this

is the start of the track cycling with all the focus on the Velodrome

in the Olympic Park, how do you rates Chris Hoy's chances? Good,

but it is so close, he is right. We saw that at the World Championships

where they medalled in five of the Alan egg events, so they are in the

hand, but it is so close. The debt in competition has really come on,

Australia have come into the fold along with France and Germany, so

it is going to be very close. is one of these teams from which

much is expected because of their performance in Beijing. Very macho,

and a lot has happened since then. -- very much so. A lot will depend

on it Philip Hindes to get the team off to a good start. It will come

down to him. A 6:20pm this evening, that is the key moment, the men's

final. Jess Varnish and Victoria Pendleton won the World Cup inside

the Velodrome last February, and today they renew their rivalry with

the Australians. Can they triumph We are in a great place at the

moment, and when we got our strengths together, it can be

fantastic. It is just going to be really exciting to see what we can

pull together, we are both going faster than ever in our lives.

at last, a fantastic contest, and the result goes to Great Britain!

That is a new world record! We have got such fond memories of the World

Cup, we did such a great performance there and really

stepped up our team performance. It is going to be so exciting. Well,

in Melbourne, I got a virus, which no athlete wants to get sick a week

before their events. Varnish has not backed that ride up, and it

looks like Pendleton is under pressure to get the bronze. China

take bronze. The team sprint, my position, you know exactly what you

have to do, there is a countdown, it is always exactly the same, you

do it in training every week, 12 or 14 times, so you know what to

expect, so you have just got to get out of the gate well, have a decent

start and deliver at high speed. am so pleased to have chess as my

team-mate, because she is going so well, better than she was at the

worlds, so we have moved on. It has my dream to be in the Olympics, and

now I want to do my job, I am really excited about it. The crowd

is hopefully going to get behind us and give us an extra boost. It is

really good times, my face will be aching because I have been smiling

so much. Let's hope she carries on smiling. How tough is it going to

be for Victoria Pendleton? She has not had the easiest of roads since

Beijing. No, and her performances have varied. The test event he was

fantastic, and they broke the world record. Then we heard that Jess

Varnish got slightly ill, below par for the World Championships. It is

so close in that event. I think the Germans are the favourite pairing.

I think we can expect more records here. When you look at Jess Varnish,

how much potential has she got? She is a relatively new face to people.

She has come on in leaps and bounds, and she will have to be the best

she has ever been. If she is, they could take the gold medal here. She

has coped with the pressure incredibly well, to know that your

Olympic eventer is one lap of the track in a four years, it is a lot

of pressure. It is incredibly intense now, they go from one race

to another. Yes, it is a packed schedule once they start. The whole

team sprint event will be over tonight, and it is what they

trained for, it is the same for all the teams, they have to learn to

back up. There is a particular rivalry between Victoria Pendleton,

Jess Varnish and the Australians, but you say the Germans also.

the German team were particularly good at the World Championship, and

that will bolster their confidence coming into the Olympic Games.

is all going to be happening tonight from six o'clock, you will

be any velodrome. Qualification as well, we could see a world record

go there. Lots to look out for at the rowing, so let's get back to

Eton Dorney and John Inverdale. The sun is beating down, we have

been so lucky, there has been some bad weather for the road races, but

we have not seen it here. We have seen dark clouds but they have

skirted around us, which is just as well, because I'm sure you are

aware of the whole expanse of the course, there is no coverage for

anybody under any of the grandstands, so the only concern is

sunstroke more than the rain. What is the time now? 15 minutes before

the big race today from a British perspective, away from the men's

lightweight, the duel, if in advance of these games you were

looking up at one or duel that was the real battle of the giants, the

rumble in the jungle, it is the men's coxless four, Britain against

Australia, and they have been drawn against each other in a semi-final,

which some people were disappointed about, because they did not want

them to meet until a final, but it throws up fascinating tactical

issues about two tries and he does not. We are not talking about

Korean badminton players, but keeping your powder dry before the

event itself. What will happen? do not know, but but boats will

want to win, put a marker on to show that they will win the gold

medal in two days' time. But you do not want to hurt yourself doing

that. Getting into race pace, that is OK, that is what you train for,

but when you have to push really hard in the last 500 to secure a

victory, that is what you do not want to do. I have been in this

situation a couple of times, and if you make a marker early in the race,

the other ones will say, we will save it for the final. But if you

do that, it is throwing the momentum right the way across to

the crew that wins, so both of them will want to win, and it will be

interesting, really interesting if one of them does not bother at all,

just goes off 10 or 15 strokes, make sure they qualify. It would be

interesting, but no, it could be a very big could be, whoever wins

this race could be the one to take the gold medal on Saturday.

intriguing prospect coming up in less than 15 minutes' time. We will

leave our little bandage point by the finish line and find Matt

Pinsent somewhere around the lake here. -- the vantage point.

I have been joined by two nervous fathers, Dave Page and John

Townsend. Your daughter is rowing in the women's eight and your son

is in the men's double. Let's just start with how you are feeling this

morning. How are the nerves? Jangling a bit but quite positive.

The women's eight have got a good chance, I think Natasha will be

very nervous about Sam going out first, because his race his first.

Tell us why it is important that I brought you two together. Well, it

will determine the nature of my speech! I am writing a speech for

their wedding on 22nd September, which is the event of the year, you

know. We are very much looking forward to that, get this out of

the way first, that is the main thing. This is a big combination

for Sam, Olympics and wedding, whose idea was to combine the two

into one easy to digest the weeks?! I think it was their idea, to be

honest. My other son was married earlier in the year, so two

weddings and the Olympics, a bit of an ordeal all told! Sam's chances,

the double is going really well at the moment. Yes, Sams said before

the Olympics started, and so it proved in the heats and the semis,

there was 10 boats that could get a medal, and I was more nervous in

the semis, I just wanted him to get to the final, and so it proved.

There was some very good boats what got knocked out in the semis, and I

just looked at the B final and it is worthy of an A final, so I am

just happy he is in the A final. Good luck, James, and good luck to

you, are you paying the bill? have shared it out, actually, we

got on very well indeed! Very democratic to share the bill at a

wedding. We will be keeping an eye on Eton Dorney, because the men's

four semi-final happens at 10:10am, a very famous boat for Great

Britain which has delivered at successive Olympics.

Now to the judo, and the judoka has over at the XL have a VIP in the

crowd, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be there. Apparently

this is his favourite sport, so we are going to see how they are

getting on right now. James Austin of Great Britain has had a very

tough draw, because he is up levels around the ExCeL. The

arrival of the 28-year-old from Staffordshire, James Austin, up

against that man, the Japanese, Takamasa Anai. The 2010 world

champion. James Austin first started to formulate the dream of

representing his country at the Olympics when he watched the

Atlanta Games on television. Now we are watching him in London, and he

is an Olympian. Another of the British fighters with a really

tough draw here. The Japanese is a top technical fighter. James Austin

for his mum had to call himself an Olympian. For those wondering why

so many British players have got so many of the top seeds, it is

because none of the Britons have been seeded coming into this. They

have been exposed to the best players from the start. None of the

Brits manage to get the top eight seeding, so it is the lack of the

draw, or the bad luck of the draw, you just get thrown in anywhere.

Yeah, up against a former world at the Jubilee World Cup. He has

strong arm, and again. -- there egos. Austin does not quite match

up to the biggest hitters, top of the list is the bronze medal at the

World Cup event in Liverpool last year. His parents first took him to

his local judo club, a famous club in Benylin -- in Birmingham, to

toughen him up. He was seven and by his own admission a bit of a softie,

quite quiet. I defy anyone to call in a bit of a softie these days,

they might come off second best. James Austin in blue. A good start

from James Austin, the Japanese has taken a penalty for being passive.

James has managed to wrap at the arm and get the attacks in first. -

keep doing 40 has been doing for the first couple of minutes. It is

an enormously competitive division. We already saw the top seed from

Kazakhstan being dumped out in the first round. The rankings are not

in favour of Great Britain but if an opportunity comes along, the

Japanese can find himself on his back just as quickly.

He needs to keep doing what he was doing in the first couple of

minutes of the fight. Into the second half of the fight.

Both with the penalty warning have seen here this week. Only

three have managed to win their contest. And James has gone down.

He needs to defend the arm. The referee brings of fighters back to

their start position. The world champion from Japan, Takamasa Anai,

round match. Austin needs to get his grip. Doing really well to stay

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 46 seconds

nothing to lose in his last 30 he had to go for it. He took one

last deep breath before he pulled himself back up there. But the

problem has just become a double problem. He now needs a significant

many of the British judo players this week has come and gone. In

fairly rapid fashion. James Austen adds his claim to a list of British

adds his claim to a list of British fighters beaten in the first round.

Very disappointing therefore James Austen, his first match of the

competition and he ended up against the world champion from Japan. So a

very tough talk indeed and he ended up being defeated there. It is

tradition that by this stage in the morning we have to check in on the

aquatic centre. Clare Balding and Mark Foster are there. I was

speaking to Ryan Lochte's Mother this morning and both his parents

are swimming coaches. It is not surprising. He is gifted by his

physique and also by parents who were willing to get up so early in

the morning. There's so much energy in this place. Even if you wake up

feeling a little jaded you come here and there is music and you

feel great again. And we had a great British performance last

night from Michael Jamieson. It was an amazing race. He was just coming

back and coming back. You can see the world record line there. Daniel

Gyurta or in lane number four. It was just amazing. He took that

opportunity and swam the race of his life to take silver. We're all

realistic about her chances of a gold but Rebecca Adlington is the

one most likely to do that. She has been in great form and she is

coming up to her main event. The 400 is not her race. But this is

the one that she trains for. She each mashed everybody in this event

four years ago. She is the girl, the one we are counting on. It will

be interesting to see what kind of form she is in. We will bring you

all that swimming over on BBC Three. So if you want to see Michael

Phelps and Lizzie Simmonds, that will be on BBC Three.

The rowing semi-finals are almost upon us so we head back now to Eton

thorny. Great Britain's Men's Four are in it semi-final action very

are in it semi-final action very shortly.

In your capacity as flag supremo, we have been discussing the third

along on the right. It is read up with a yellow star. We do not know

what it is. Can you help us out? Well, I was thinking East Asia and

I'm guessing perhaps Vietnam. But is that a rowing nation?

I do not know, we will find out. There is a lot of money riding on

this! But not as much as there is on the coxless four. We discussed

the tactics at play a few moments ago. That will have been discussed

last night by the different crews. But in terms of the British war,

but they're coming in as underdogs but none the less they are

conscious that this is the boat that the British public at large,

this is the boat that Britain expects. And that does add to the

pressure. They come in almost as co-

favourites. The Australians won the last World Cup. The way that they

rode in their heats and semi-finals, most people are saying there is

nothing between them. These conditions, people are saying it

better suits Australia than Great Britain. This will be a fascinating

battle of cat and mouse. Dan Topolski and Garry Herbert take

over now. Under starter's orders. The bones

are a way. -- boats are away. All the talk is about Australia and

Great Britain. I was talking this morning to an Australian

commentator and they are going to go flat out to win this race.

Alongside that the British will also be going all out to win this

race. They have been trying to smooth out

the way that they ral, more relaxation, more flow. What is

great about the Australians is that they have that flow. Great Britain

is trying to do that. So they do not force the catch before the boat

has had its full time to run. It will be difficult for Great Britain

to keep their nerve. No panic at the moment, they are just thinking

about rhythm as they go through. In the last 100 I would say that

the British have contained a Australia. The Australians have

moved into a very efficient with them. We go now into the second 500.

This is where the crews will be looking to get real efficiency.

Great Britain easing away from the Netherlands.

The Australians just easing out to half a length. Great Britain just

taking a couple more strokes per minute than that Australia. The

Australia are very disciplined. And they're pretty strong and snooze.

Great Britain just need to be relaxed and do not rush the front

part of the stroke. A big push now from Andy Hodge. They're on their

feet, pushing through the finishers. No response from the Australia,

semi-final of the Men's Coxless Four. The strain the out half a

length over Great Britain. -- per minute. Great Britain at the 36.

This looks quite ominous because the Australians are really

stretching out and relaxing. Great Britain are looking good, of moving

well. They must not get into a mindset where they have a sense of

having to beat Australia. They have never been top of the podium.

have not won and it is difficult to get them to change their minds set

and feel that you're absolutely the top dog. Feeling, I can see their

wash and I'm not comfortable and O'Dea, it is almost one length.

Three-quarters of the way through. We have not really seemed any

fireworks. The British have just squeezed through the mark. The

crowd almost like the 5th person aboard this crew. The British now

starting to mount a charge. Australia have not responding.

is a very good move from Great Britain. They are beginning to pile

on the pressure. They feel that cauldron of sound and there are now

making a big push. The strategy for both of them is that they really

want to win is to put them in pole Britain and Australia. Getting up

to maximum speed. 150 from the line and finally now, the Australians

are pushed in, to forced to respond, but Great Britain are rowing

through, Australia and they are doing it in the semifinal. We have

remaining 50 metres and that has been a sensational sprint for the

line, Australia not responding, Great Britain through in first

place, they have taken a very important psychological step

forward, for the Olympic final there, but Australia will come back

strong. But a fantastic push in, well executed, it was called from

the 1500 mark by Peter Reid in the two seat. Andy Hodge respond and

they drove on to the line. Not a bad go there. Gary, I have to take

back what I said. That was a fantastic attack. You say Australia

didn't respond. They were up at 38 strokes a minute. They were

responding and there was not much they could do. Maybe they have more

in the tank. Maybe they can push on further. But this was a a great,

relaxed and powerful surge from the British four as they pushed on past.

Well judged, they didn't lose their heads, their rhythm in that middle

1,000 metres. They pushed right back. Very proud of them. Very

proud of them and I have just been having my worries and doubts, but

they have gone away for six weeks to altitude and come back with

enormous confidence there. That will be a tremor ral booster for

them. -- tremendous morale booster for them. A bit of relief, allows

himself a boit a smile. As we wait for the full confirmation what a

way to go into the final. Great Britain over Australia, and

Netherlands third. What a final that promises to be. Fascinatingly,

it is all mind game, it is all cat- and-mouse but who is the cat and

who is the mouse? Both crew trust line and sailing off for their warm

down, nop looking at anyone, they are giving the impression we are

coasting, we are fine, we still coasting, we are fine, we still

have a lot left in the tank. Are we any the wiser? No. I just don't

know, both boats did turn, paddled away, I think, in their hearts they

were pumping, they were gaspling for breath but not showing it. Both

looked very relaxed. What your gut feel, that the Australians not let

them through, but said, listen, fine, you go on, you give it all

you've got but we are saving somethingsome. That is the

impression that I did get. But, looking at the pictures, is that

both boats were trying really hard. The Australians a bit more relaxed

at trying hard than our guys at trying hard. Both boats have more

to give in the middle heart -- half of the race, it was a battle of

Wills, we are going to cross the line first. Has that result changed

the balance of power for Saturday? I don't think it has. I don't think

it has. It is giving both boats a lot to think about, but I would

still put them at joint favourites. I don't think that has split them

at all. In terms of the British approach, you know, the Australians

went out quickly, they had half a length at one point, the British

crew had the option then, didn't they, of taking the foot off the

throttle and saying, fine, you carry on and we will come second,

but they chose to go with it and they chose to groant them and go

through them that. Was a declaration of intent. Would that

have been preplanned, or was that on the hoof almost? I think it is

preplanned. It was actually very, almost doing the opposite race

plans,, it is normally the Brits that blast out, get a lead, the

Australians push it through the middle and then hold on to the

power that our guys have at the end. The whole process is turned on its

head, because the Australians, are the ones that went off first, and

our guys, were much less through the middle and our guys went, "We

are going to win this" and they went for it. Is there anything in

for the green light and we are away now in the second semifinal of the

men's coxless fours. Really there is nothing in this semifinal that

would bother either Australia, or indeed Great Britain. You have to

say who is going to challenge those two leading crews, and no-one,

really. Greece are good. Greece were second last year or the USA.

That is the American's top boat. But, the race is going to be

between the two. That was a fascinating race. We are a bit

subdued because we are a bit surprised as how fantastically

effective was the British push through, Australia were certainly

up at 38 strokes a minute. They weren't just letting them through,

I thought that was a great fillip for the British four. They looked

good. They didn't lose their heads. There is all to play for. Steve is

right. Joint there, two very different approaches to rowing and

racing, but it will be intriguing for the last, on the last day of

racing, here is Germany out in front. Germany who were fifth last

year, heading Greece, who were second. Canada at the top of the

picture, Romania and the United States. 500 down. Germany out.

German crew. In lane number, Germany in lane number four, they

were fifth last year. A moment there to reflect also the Bowman in

this German four, he won a gold medal in the German eight last year

and did not make the eight this year. Interesting his thoughts

really, watching his fellow countrymen win the Olympic gold

medal yesterday. He was not good enough to get into the eight this

time round. This is the British event. This is what we have been

winning since back in 2000, and grab her has made it his own. We --

grab her. We had a different four representing Great Britain last

year. Grobler. He believes the crew he has got now is faster than last

year. Two of them went into the British eight, they got a bronze

medal yesterday, but here Germany, out in front, fifth last year,

being pegged now by the US, the United States, they are rowing

rather well, they have a good Longwell connected stroke. They are

not hur rid, they are moving well and they could move out in front

they are going through Germany now, into the lead. It is America's top

boat. So we are going through the 1,000 mark. Coming up to the 1,000

that second 5 hundred. The Greeks too, in lane five, silver medallist

from the World Championships last year. They too, will be quick in

the closing stages, we have five boats all starting to converge

together, six boats in this line up. Canada in one, Romania two, United

States three. Germany four, New Zealand six. First three to qualify

for the A final. We know that Greece have lots of flexibility.

They can move their rate up if they need to, gear change, it will be

interesting to see if the US can do that too. They have a steady middle

of the race rhythm there. It is looking good. They are watching the

field. Will they be able to respond when the attacks come from Greece?

Germany probably a bit of spent force now, Canada top of the

picture, looking to Troy and make one of those qualifying places.

see the crews bunched up here, a wonderful array of technique and

the stroke rates at various parts of the course, United States

stretching out. 1500. 500 to go, in the second semifinal of the men's

coxless four. Dan in one, Romania two, off the pace. In lane three

the United States, led through the middle one thousand here, Germany

in four, Greece in five. New Zealand in six. Your comment about

stroke rate, and the number of strokes per minute, the United

States were at a steady 35. Greece were at 40. So now let us see what

the flexibility is. They have made a move. They can see Greece's

attack. Greece will have gone early. That will be tough for them. Now

the United States have gone up. 37 strokes a minute. They have moved

up. They should be able to hold Greece off. 250 out. What the white

boat at the top. Canada they are renowned for their sprint finish.

At the moment it is looking like United States from Greece, Canada

in fourth, they need to move up to qualify for the A final. We now

have 200 left, 20 strokes, and still the Greeks come and they

charge hard. We are 175 from the line. Those three crews are clear.

United States, Greece and Germany, clear from Canada. As we come to

the 100. It has gone up to 44 strokes a minute, they saw Greece

were still coming, they have changed gear, that is effective,

they have gone back out to about a third of a length. The crews coming

to the line in this second semifinal of the men heeves I have

four United States from Greece and Germany. Those three crews safely

through to the A final, but it has to be said, with all due respect to

those grews -- crews, nothing there Dan, would have any challenge worry

for both Great Britain and Australia. I think that is right.

But that was an impressive row from the United States. Charlie Cole has

been in the American squad here n the eight last year, in the pair as

well. He rode for Oxford in the boat race about five years ago, six

years ago but he has been in the American squad since then he has

just developed as one of America's leading rowers. Looking round in

the boats there, I am just looking at Rommel in the two seat. It is

not his yob to look round, Unless he is making the calls. They are a

quiet boat for an American boat. Usually you would hear some

whooping and hollering. It's a semifinal, so they want to keep

their focus very clear. Not get overexcited. But that was a good

win for them. They went up to 44. 44 strokes a minute, to finish

making sure they were clear. A bit nervous, they weren't expecting

that, they were well in front. About 500 metres to go. There was

Greece mounting that big attack. the final three boats to the A

final, USA. Greece and Germany but it still remains Australia and

Great Britain as an Ashes showdown. You suspect that everybody else is

fighting for bronze and that race is on Saturday morning, obviously

see it here live on BBC One. Out and about for us all week here at

dorn has been Matt Pinsent. Wonder where he is now. We will hear a lot

about lightweight rowing today and it means the crew has to average

beneath 70 Kyle lows a man. The maximum any individual can be is 72.

Two hours before race time they come in here, and weigh in and our

British guys giving it they are coming straight out means they have

cleared the weigh up. You man the difficulty, you have to dip down

your weight three hours before the race. Sweat down out on the lake in

a paddle, and you come in, and you step on the scales, the official

marks you off, works out the average and providing you are clear,

you have two hours to refuel, puts some fluids and food back in and

you go out and race your final. Lightweight rowing is not for the

fainthearted. It is lightweight. We are on. I am here. Lightweight

are on. I am here. Lightweight rowing we will talk about now.

There is the cheer for them in their semifinal and the point we

made at the start was that all 13 boats of the British team are

hoping to get them through to the final and this is perhaps one of

the ones you might have a question mark over. They rowed earlier this

week and they should make it through. They looked good in the

heat. Very laid back, very confident, Greece is the

outstanding performer, but Greece didn't look as good in their heats

so it will be interesting to see how they fare here. The lightweight

double here, change of cue, this one is supposed to be stroner they

didn't show it earlier in the season, but certainly, I think that

they will get a medal, and but they to get under way. New Zealand in

one, Germany two, Great Britain in three. Listen to that. Greece in

final World Cup reGA gat ta Great Britain finished fou in that,

impressive fourth but since thens Sophie Hosking moved into the

stroke seat. Kath Copeland moved as well. This change of combination

has worked for the favour of Great Britain, so New Zealand in lane one,

Germany in two Great Britain in three, Greece are the World

Champions, they are in lane four, the USA fourth, at the world last

year, they sit in five, Cuba, a new boat, for this Olympic Games, in

lane six. There is Kath Copeland coming through the middle and

Sophie Hosking. Maximum crew year that came third. Kat Copeland

then came in. It is difficult with the new crew. They've put her in

the stroke seat, there were trying to forge her relationship. And

since they raced in Munich and did not win there, their coach moved

Sophie Hosking, who is such a dynamic athlete, into the stroke

seat. And they have really turned their speed around and are really

definite contenders. Great Britain currently in 4th

position, that is OK. Now in the second five they will look to just

get into that rhythm. We expect one push as a consolidator. And that

prepares them then to step through the halfway mark. There is not a

lot in it. This is the semi- final so it is quite a fine balance,

doing as much as you can but without really exposing yourself.

You do not need to do that at this stage. Greece other world champions,

they have been together for a while and they really are affected as a

double. -- effective. They are punchy and aggressive. They like to

get out at the front of the field. Now the great British double just

trying to push into second place. I would expect a very good second

half from them. There were quite slow taking off. They have given

themselves quite a lot of work to do. But perhaps they just have a

different race planned for this semi-final. I like the way they are

sculling. Great Britain just looking as if they're putting in

another push at 900. Greece, the world champions, it clear by one

length. Great Britain going through in its third place. The German

group finished third at Munich. Greece did not race at that time.

They finished third at Lausanne with Great Britain finishing in 5th.

A New Zealand at the top of the picture, there were first in Munich

but they're just not in the hunt today. I'm surprised because the

hold of the world's best time. We do have a cross tailwind. Great

Britain now in second place. But the United States of America also

coming up. More dynamic from the Great Britain Double Scull. Sophie

Hosking just jumps on it, it is quick and dynamic. She just picks

it up and transferers it really well. And there are showing Greece

a real race for this semi-final. Coming through the 1,500m mark.

Great Britain had a sensational ferric 500. -- third. The 5th

present debtors the third person in Katherine Copeland and Sophie

Hosking, this is at sensational spell. What a well timed race. Even

with that slow start their able to force their way right through the

world champions. This is terrific. Catt Copeland is in her first big

senior event. And there they are in front of their home ground.

year-old Katherine Copeland just backing up her partner, Sophie

Hosking, 26. Doing a fabulous job. They can just enjoy and executed

plan right down to the line. Greece now bet they know they are well

defeated. And after what was a slow start art

on the starting gate, Great Britain putting a mark on his Olympic Games.

And there throw by clear water. -- they are through. I had a hunch

when I saw them racing in the opening heat and they just looked

fantastic. And the change in order just made such an impression. Look

at them, and no histrionics, job done, could spell. And now at last

that smile. They were just warm down now, just focus for the final.

That was splendid. It is a wonderful partnership that is

coming up to the boil here. From the timing point of view it could

not get any better than this. that be another potential gold

medal for Great Britain? Great Britain first, Greece second and

Germany there it. Well that was tremendous. It was

unbelievable. Greece were dominating the circuit last year. I

heard on the commentary in their heats that they did not look as

comfortable. But when they got out of the start the way they did, but

our girls just stuck to their tactics, it looked relaxed and cool,

just squeezed through. Obviously the extra man in the boat on the

other side. They put themselves in contention for perhaps a gold medal.

Catt Copeland by the way, she is very proud of being from the North

East. We will hopefully have a word with her shortly. But where will we

with her shortly. But where will we find Matthew Pinsent now?

brilliant performance from the women there in their semi-final.

I'm back in the boating area. These are the women's eights laid out for

the final in a couple of hours' time. The Australian boat there,

this attachment giving them some feedback for the coach in terms of

speed and pace. A lot of these boats travel by road. You can see

this split here, this will divide into two sections. This is the

American boat and it can go in to a shipping container and come across

the Atlantic. Over here is the British boat. We hope it is going

to do really well in a couple of hours' time.

I would like to ask a question, why is every boat the same colour?

I can answer that, all the yellow boats are built by a German

manufacturer. You can have different colours but you have to

pay a little extra. The Italian boats tend to be. But again you can

have them in a different colour. You see them every now and again

but most people go for the German standard. It is what is in the boat

not the colour of the boat. Talking of colours, to return to our

ongoing debate about the flags. We were incorrect about that being the

Greek flag. But of course it is the Uruguay flag. The debate began on

the flag to the right to that one, with the yellow star. Michelle, you

thought it was Vietnam? I am correct and Twitter has confirmed

that. I'm hesitant to say too much about flags! But it is interesting

to see them all up. It shows which has the nations are in that

particular sport. You have actually got something enemies rowers down

there somewhere. -- Vietnamese. When you come back to us in a few

minutes we will have spotted the Nigerian flag.

A lot more rowing action coming up. Just a quick word on the other

sporting action under way it right now. Five swimming heats taking

place and if you what to watch them go over to BBC Three at about 11

o'clock where we will be seeing Rebecca Adlington in her heat. Also

the beach volleyball, it is the Brazilians now on the court. They

are leading in the game, up one set. They're playing Italy. And also

table tennis is under way. The men's singles semi-finals. China's

world number one is in action. Justin Timberlake has just treated

saying this is his favourite sport! Now has straight back to Eton

Dorney and a very busy morning in all those rowing races.

After the second semi-final of the After the second semi-final of the

women's lightweight double. Into the second 500m now coming up

to the halfway mark in his second semi-final of the women's

lightweight double sculls. Canada and now the closest to us. The

Canadians other world silver three regattas in the World Cup

series this year. So there on form. Australia are doing well, putting

China under pressure. Denmark, China and Canada are the ones you

would expect to be up in front. Basle woman of the Chinese crew,

she was 5th in the world championships in 2009. We have not

really eats seen her since but she has come back strongly this year in

his new combination. Looking pretty impressive. She is looking across

at Denmark as if just by looking at them she can't slow them down. But

all she is doing is slowing herself down. She has that the tendency to

glance across. And she is going to miss what is happening with the

Australia coming up on the other back, three boats to go through the

A final. You are looking at the race leader. The main three boats

are clear, but Australia, closest to us does have to work. That angle

will be deceptive. Never the less, Netherlands in lane two. Watch out

for them. In the closing stages some of the crews may falter.

Denmark if three. Eighth at the World Championship last year and

they have had to work very very hard, just to keep up with China.

Sneaking along in lane five, here come the Australian, the angle from

Netherlands was deceptive. The boats out clear. 250, 25 strokes

remain. It looks like, it is probably not going to change,

because the Chinese have reacted well to the challenge from either

side of them. And they all know if the wind does kick up it will

become more unfair, they need to be in the best to, get the best lane

they need to be a winner of this varying cross heads down the main

part of the course. They come into the wind tunnel of the grand stands.

Sheltered quite nicely. China now with the last five or six strokes

as they head towards the line, holding off a very strong charge

from Denmark, the Danes can not get through China. Chosest to us

Australia. They are getting third place. China is in first, Denmark

second. Australia third. Those three crews safely through to the A

final. Don't see anything, I mean China looked good, there, but I

love the gutsyness of the British double sculls as well. They have

flexibility. They can cruise at a very good speed without taking a

huge amount of themselves, in the middle part of the race and they

have that flexibility to change gear, in the last 500. I just think

they have a lot of, a lot of ability to play a very good

strategic race in the final. Good start by the Chinese double scull.

Just loving it. Loving being here, performing on the Olympic stage.

Wait for the confirmation there. China, Denmark and Australia safely

through, looking like a Great through, looking like a Great

Britain China showdown in the final. There were three second

differential in those two semifinal, but in a sense, you know, you are

not racing against the clock, you are racing, so don't read too much.

The wind is not consistent. Sometimes it is carrying straight

behind and sometimes it is coming across, you will get a big

difference, you can't read very much into the times from heat the

heat. Before we round up our little flag debate and move on, we can see

the flags that, it is blowing across the course quite

substantially, so just explain, you know, again, we are conscious most

people have probably never been in a boat or rowed, why does that give

such an advantage to the boats on the far side? If the wind is

blowing as a cross tail, the more wind you have got, the more quicker

you are going to go. If it was a cross head you would want to be on

this side, on the sheltered side. You want to be in the windy

condition, or in the non-windy conditions if it is not helping,

simple as that. To finish off the flag thing, one thing we didn't

realise, if we move our cam row show you the flags above that --

camera, is we hadn't realised of course all the flags are in

alphabet order, so even if you don't, even you don't know what the

flag is you work it out by working out that A is in one end and Z is

the other. That is the flag of New Zealand, so NE, goes to NE, Niger,

Niger is to the right. So we are not 100% certain but I am guessing

it so to the right of that. By process of elimination that is what

we think. Here we go with the first semifinal of the men's lightweight

double and Zac Purchase and Mark double and Zac Purchase and Mark

Turner. We are way in the first fb Italy in three, Denmark in four,

Germany in five. Japan in lane six, Great Britain come down in the next

semifinal. The middle three boats, New Zealand, Italy and Denmark are

the crews to watch. They are the ones who should move out and

qualify here. Denmark, just dominant four or five years ago,

round the last time, didn't end up with the gold medal in the third of

the Olympics but they dominated up until then. Italy there, as you are

seeing, the stroke rower has a new here. New Zealand beaten by Great

Britain to the gold, they were second. So New Zealand's pair in

lane two, the world silver medallist behind Great Britain,

Great Britain have beaten them in the early stages. Important

psychological scalp there. 500 -- 500 down. Italy, only just, this is

a category where the average crew weight cannot exceed 70 kilograms.

In the early stages we would see not much in it between the six

boats. So a level playing field. Weight plays no impact, everybody

the same weight. It is just down to sheer ability and talent. Do you

know, I get the foaling that New Zealand has had a surprise return

to form for Great Britain. We have had a terrible season. They were

just expecting, yes, that is the end of the British, we can focus on

winning a gold medal, and they are sculling well, they are in third

place, moved into third. They, they would normally blast out, and be

leading the field by now. I just feel they, you know, they just

haven't quite got back to their quickly Italy slipped back there.

That was unexpected. They were right up there with Denmark, I

expected them to mount quite a challenge, but they have slipped

back the a point where it is going to be hard for them to get back

into the medals. They were third last year. You would expect them to

be up there with this leading group. Denmark coming through the half way

mark in this first semifinal, the men's lightweight double scull,

coming back to form, they were fifth last year at the World

Championship, third in Lucerne, the middle of three regattas, this year

they have beaten Great Britain but not at this regatta. Looking pretty

strong. These guys running into Beijing four years a -- years ago,

they were unbeaten. They had a fantastic run in the last two years

into Beijing, and then in the final, that Olympic final, Mark Hunter,

Zac Purchase, just stormed there in a way, really knocked them for six.

It has taken a while for them to come back. Here they are in this

semifinal. Four years on, leading it. But hard to say whether they

are going to be... My feel is New Zealand, their traditional sprint

and, they don't look pretty but they are fast. That I say as a

compliment. Denmark, New Zealand and Germany, closest to us. Looking

at the German boat, the German Bowman going in half ap blade early

on his stroke there so that is again a disconnect which is

unsettling to the crew, he takes a lot of the work on himself, and it

mean Thrace not absolutely together, so it means that they aren't

getting the best speed they could out of the boat. They are going OK,

closest to us, look how early the Bowman is. He is just not following

his stroke man, that means the boat is not travelling as well as it

could. It is going all right. They will qualify but it is not as good

as it could be. 1500 Denmark now. Eased out a bit more, three-

quarters of a length over New Zealand and Germany. New Zealand,

Germany still not overly safe. Greece in one, eighth last year in

the World Championships. Greece have a good history of putting out

fast boats for Olympic Games. Greece came second last year.

Different boat this time round. -- 2008. Denmark looking pretty

impressive. The stroke rower is a funny shape. He sits low in the

boat and he looks almost disproportionate, got good legs,

standing up, he is fierpbgs but sitting in his boat he looks very

short in the stroke seat, but they do move their boat very well and

they are right back to form, because there are the world soement

list, New Zealand in third place, and Germany, probably going to hold

on to that second place. Wonderful scull now from Denmark. Came under

pressure in the middle one thousand, but they were able to deal with it

as New Zealand mounted the charge, as did Germany, to no avail. Very

experienced boat, upping the rate a bit. Going away, something for the

crowd. A bit of a crowd pleaser here, rightly so. Again, full

Grandstand here at Eton Dorney. Great support here, so Denmark,

coming up to the line, they are safely through, one more race now

for them. Over the line in second the soement list from New Zealand.

Germany get the third qualification spot. That took a bit of puff to go.

Over the line, Japan lane any more ber sick. It looks good Dan but

breathing heavily. They went up to 40 strokes a minute. They didn't

need to. They were well in front. I thought they dominated that race

very well. Back to the sort of form they remember, four or five years

ago, they did take some time off, and they take have taken a while to

get back into shape. Look at that, that is a lovely picture of

technique and of a crew moving together. Just flowing, hands

Look at the wild eyes there. They are great racers, so, just waiting

for the final confirmation there, these crew also go round and wind

down. These crews will go round and Just to say some of the camera work

here over the last few days, and I am sure over the next few days to

come will be magnificent. It gives you not just a flavour of the

racing and a flavour of the event but it gives you a genuine insight

into the rhythm of the boats and the skills, and also, of course,

the huge amount of power that is required to propel these boats down

the course, so I hope it is giving a complete new dimension to the way

we have covered rowing in days gone by. So, that was the first

semifinal, and here is the second semifinal. We have spoken about

these guys a lot over the year, Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter, who are

the Olympic champions from Beijing, and there they are, and here is the

cheer. Interesting on the last heat, is that thinking that Zac and Mark

are on form because they meet the New Zealand in their heat, is that

New Zealand came second in that and didn't look comfortable. It maybe

the danger, that Zac and Mark are on better form than they were

racing last two World Cup races, it will be interesting to see how they

perform in their semifinal compared to the Danes. Someday have been

hugely erratic during the course of this season, let us hope they are

on a positive upward curve this is the second semifinal and it is Dan

and Gary once more. All the coaches, poised ready to go. Following the

second semifinal of the men's lightweight double sculls. Norway

in two, Great Britain if three, France in lane four. We have Cuba

on the outside, on the flanks in lane one and Portugal and Hungary.

Former World Champions the Hungarians in lane six. They are

under starters order, sebld second Purchase and Mark Hunter lead out

of the gates in his second semi- final of the men's lightweight

double sculls. They really have found some form now in this regatta.

It was erratic, their 2012 World Cup campaign. It started off in

Belgrade but there were six in Lucerne. Everyone was starting to

think the magic had gone but it just could be coming back. I asked

Mark about it and he said it was lack of sickness, they just have

not done the proper training. They had had some illness during the

winter. But I asked Zak Purchase and he said it was lack of timing

and that they would pull it together in the last six weeks. But

there is a magic in double sculls and they have been able to find it

in the last six weeks. They did not have a good season last year but

they were able to pull it together in the last race against New

Zealand and it looks as if they have done the same thing here. I

hope there's not a cumulative effect of them just losing a little

bit of overall fitness to deal with the Challenge in the last 500m of

the final. Due the first, France second. Great

Britain in his third place right now. There will be happy with that

start. As they get further down the course their rhythm gets stronger

and stronger and with that the conference just flows. They're

going into this regatta knowing that they are defending Olympic

champions. That just allows you to walk around with your head just a

little bit higher. These guys are exceptional athletes. They are in

third place. There are going to come through and it is going to be

smooth. We cannot discount nor way, they are on their tails. -- Norway.

France also a good boat. The French bow man, that was a look of

surprise! I think the British double are back on form. Just

beautifully connected, tremendous talent in that boat. The French

have a very nice technique, good accurate pick up of the stroke.

the halfway mark in this second semi- final. The crowd appreciated

the fact that Great Britain have now moved to the front by a matter

of inches. Just executing each and every 500. They are now starting to

push. They can now start to move a little bit now. France going with

them. The Cuba hanging on. Norway are good sprint finishers as well.

The maximum crew average cannot exceed 70 kg. It is now down to

pure talent. Both France and Hungary beat Great Britain in

Munich. Friends expected to put them under pressure, make them work

very hard. -- France. They can see everybody coming back

at them. That the Olympic champions are not getting too flustered.

is the mark of a very good British team, just fantastically well

prepared athletes. Great Britain and now out half a length. Into the

last 500m. Mark Hunter closest to impressive. Still the French come

at them. Of France attacking them hard. It is very hard to defend a

world title, and the Olympic title. The motivation that you need, just

that improvement in performance. This is tough territory. You can

see the pain now on Mark Hunter's face. A little bit of holding on

going on now. The blades are coming up a little bit. They are going to

go into the Olympic final. The final that they are one of four

years ago. -- they won. It is the desperate stages. The gritting of

the teeth. Coming through to an Olympic final, Great Britain now up

to the line, safely into the Olympic final. Followed by France

and in third place, of Portugal. And Norway squeezed out. Well they

did enough in that middle 1000 to get themselves over the line. But

that will have hurt. But the pain will go away some because they know

they have the final ahead of them. France really testing them there.

Pushing to see what they had in the last 250 metres. Well they have a

response, they went up to 40 strokes per minute. That was a real

battle, strategic, tactical, planning the final. A look of

relief now given the year that they have had. One remaining race left.

It is an Olympic final, it does not get any better than that. Mark's

contention about fitness, that will contention about fitness, that will

be important. Barely a second between the first three crews

there's it promises to be a very tight final. You're trying to cross

the line without trying to burn more energy than you need to come

out so the semi-final can be very tight. I thought they were pushing

quite hard. I think they reasonably comfortable during the middle part

of it. I do not think they liked the pressure they were put under in

the closing stages. But they crossed the line first, they are

meant Lane on Saturday. And the Olympic gold that they want to

retain, they are still in with the chance of doing that. They know

what it is like to win on the big occasion so that can make a

difference. It can make a difference in a field as tight as

this. But seeing them catch their breath, you do not normally see

that. Plenty more to come at Eton Dorney today including three finals.

The men's lightweight four are favourites to beat gold medallists

so. Let's go to Matthew Pinsent once again. Well a lot of them vet

goes into the whole of the boat and the finish. This is the Dutch crew

preparing for their race and some special kind of lotion for

pollution. Derek Wood, basically! - - Fairy Liquid. A lot of people

have been asking why do some crews alternate. This is what the Dutch

have got here. Two rowers. That is called in tandem. The boat will go

straighter if you have that. And also it gives them better rhythm to

have two guys rowing next door to each other. It is very strong

rhythm and that is what they will need to win that gold medal.

why does the vote goes straighter if the rowers are growling in

tandem? You have got two pairs, and putting them in the same order,

that is very strong. Eat your reverse one of them, it is not as

strong. Why does the boat go and less

straight in certain combinations? The present in the bow seat has the

advantage. So the boat will slightly go away from him at each

stroke. So if you swap them around and do the opposite, you are giving

it more equal power throughout the two pairs that you have put

together. So why would every boat not be crude in tandem? It depends

on the strength of the -- be crewed. Our boat, we had the speed but you

want the boat to go straighter and smoother for longer.

Well back now to Mishal Husain in the studio.

They are more rowing semi-finals available on the red button. But

the women's Single Scull is up next and there is no British interest so

we take a moment to catch up with that swimming. And it is Rebecca

Adlington defending her 800m freestyle title. She had France in

the 400m but there are high hopes in this 800m which is her

specialist event. The eight quickest times progress to the

quickest times progress to the final on Saturday.

Four lengths to go. The crowd going absolutely nuts. Every time she

pushes off they cheer. First a little surprised at how hard she is

working. She is a good five or six metres ahead of the New Zealand

swimmer. Rebecca Adlington getting away bit

by bit all the way through to the end. A very strong swim. She has 36

hours' rest before the final. I think she's pretty sure it will be

Adlington looking very good indeed. And she is working pretty hard, it

still using her legs. Really making the water boil behind her. To use

the phrase crowd pleaser, that is exactly what she is doing. I think

it could be another gold medal for Rebecca Adlington tomorrow night.

This is really strong. This is a very good swim indeed. Oh my

goodness me. 111 hundredths of a second splitting Rebecca Adlington

the final. It is going to be like two heavyweights. They, their

pacing is similar, Becky will node to get down to world record. She is.

She will have to get down to 8.14,, 8.13. Very solid swim. Becky add

Linton winning that heat. 11 one hundredth of a second ahead of

Lotte Friis. Eight minutes and 2 is seconds. That sends her into

fastest qualifier and a very big smile. You are waving at your

boyfriend. I have not seen him in so long, it is so nice. That was

planned? It is so bizarre you don't know what time you are going and I

could see I was ahead, I would like, come on, post a quick time. I was

ahead in the 400 and the heat and I only scraped in eighth. I thought I

am not taking any chances, I have to give it all I've got. I have a

day rest. I have to rest up as much as I K I am really pleased with

that. I didn't know what to expect after the heat and the 400.

looked like an exhibition swim. They cheered every time you turned

Oh, it is so nice. I can't make out what they are saying but I can hear

the buzz, the atmosphere and it really does encourage us, this is

the first time I have been in such a big crowd and it is hopefully